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conĚsenĚsuĚal (kn-snsh-l)
adj.
1. Of or expressing a consensus: a consensual decision.
2.
a. Law Existing or entered into by mutual consent without formalization by document or ceremony: a consensual marriage; a consensual contract.
b. Involving the willing participation of both or all parties, especially in an illegal transaction or practice: the consensual crimes of prostitution, drug abuse, and illegal gambling.
3. Physiology
a. Of or relating to a reflexive response of one body structure following stimulation of another, such as the concurrent constriction of one pupil in response to light shined in the other.
b. Of or relating to involuntary movement of a body part accompanying voluntary movement of another.

Since Franken was both an SNL writer and a Senatorial candidate, is he held to a lower standard than is Akin? As a SNL writer/satirist yes, as a Senatorial candidate no.

I was taught that rape is never a joke but apparently that's just me.

Over the years SNL has offered comedic skits and satire, often in bad taste. One can choose to watch it or not. I do not.
Statements made by candidates for public office are given much closer scrutiny, and taken seriously, as they should be. I'm sure a search of the public record would reveal many, many cases of candidates and those already elected making spurious, inappropriate and down right stupid remarks, from both sides.
Who knows, one day Leno or Letterman or Beck may run for public office, (weirder things have happened, Reagan, Swartzenegger (sp) Ventura)? Even the messiah Romney now contradicts himself...
I think the righties trying to latch on to Franken's past, as well as Clinton's, as hypocrisy is grasping at straws.

One cannot reason someone out of something they were not reasoned into. - Jonathan Swift